On Thursday, the league announced Bobby Portis Jr., Milwaukee Bucks forwards, had violated the anti-drug policy. Portis tested positive for Tramadol, an opioid used as a pain reliever. Tramadol is used as alternative pain medication when others can’t be used, however it is banned by the NBA.
According to his statement, Portis accidentally took the pill as he believed it was Toradol. âI was dealing with an elbow injury and using an NBA-approved medication for pain and inflammation,â he said. âDuring that time, I made an honest mistake and took a pain-reducing anti-inflammatory pill that is not approved.” He was informed by his assistant, with a valid prescription, that he was taking Toradol. The mix-up was an honest mistake as both pain relievers share a similar name.
Portis has the support of his team and coaches, as they understand it was an honest mistake. Bucks general manager Jon Horst said, âwe 100% support Bobby. Together we will take this opportunity to grow and will have a better and stronger Bobby and Milwaukee Bucks team. Heâs an integral part of who we are, a huge member of the Milwaukee community, and we look forward to his return.â
Portis has placed in the top three for Sixth Man of the Year voting in both of the past two seasons. He has appeared in 46 of Milwaukeeâs 54 games this season, with averages of 13.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 2.2 assists. Portisâ unpaid suspension will start with Thursday night’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers. He will be eligible to return for the Bucks’ home game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on April 8.
